I hate to (do something), but...

When people have to tell someone something negative, they often start with "I hate to ___, but..." For example:

I hate to have to tell you this, but your job has been eliminated.

I really hate to ask, but is there any way I could stay with you for a couple of weeks, until I find my own place?

When you start the conversation in this way, it sounds like you don't want to say these things, but you are doing it because you have to.

This phrase appears in these lessons: